gyp

or gip

[ jip ]

verb (used with or without object),gypped, gyp·ping.

Informal: Offensive. to defraud or rob by some sharp practice; swindle; cheat.

noun

Informal: Offensive. a con, fraud, cheat, or ripoff.
Also gyp·per [jip-er], /ˈdʒɪp ər/, gyp·ster [jip-ster] /ˈdʒɪp stər/ .Informal: Offensive. a swindler or cheat.

Also called gypsy . (in horse racing) an owner of racehorses who also acts as trainer and jockey.

Origin of gyp

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; back formation from Gypsy. The variants at def. 3, gypper and gypster, are formed from gyp¹ + -er¹ and -ster respectively

usage note For gyp

The word gyp is a shortening of Gypsy, an insensitive label that has been used as a disparaging slur for the traditionally nomadic group whose preferred name is Roma. Gyp in the meanings “to swindle” or “a person who swindles” is further insulting to the Roma, since it stereotypes them as cheats and frauds. However, many people are unfamiliar with the origin and history of gyp and Gypsy, so these terms are still in use, even among speakers who generally try to avoid disparaging and offensive language.

Other definitions for gyp (2 of 2)

gyp²

[ jip ]

nounBritish Informal.

a male college servant, as at Cambridge and Durham.

Origin of gyp

First recorded in 1740–50; perhaps from gypsy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for gyp (1 of 3)

gyp¹

verbgyps, gypping, gypped, gips, gipping or gipped

(tr) to swindle, cheat, or defraud

noun

an act of cheating
a person who gyps

Origin of gyp

C18: back formation from Gypsy

British Dictionary definitions for gyp (2 of 3)

gyp²

/ (dʒɪp) /

noun

British and NZ slang severe pain; torture: his arthritis gave him gyp

Origin of gyp

C19: probably a contraction of gee up!; see gee 1

British Dictionary definitions for gyp (3 of 3)

gyp³

/ (dʒɪp) /

noun

a college servant at the universities of Cambridge and Durham: Compare scout 1 (def. 5)

Origin of gyp

C18: perhaps from Gypsy, or from obsolete gippo a scullion

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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